Physical Agents for Cancer Survivors: An Updated Literature Review. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Ann; Ensign, Gentry; Flyte, Kathryn; Moore, Michael; Ratliff, Katelyn
• Is Part Of: Rehabilitation oncology. Volume 36:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: cancer rehabilitation -- physical agents -- physical therapy; Cancer -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-3808

Abstract

Abstract : Background: A 2001 review by Lucinda Pfalzer, PT, PhD, titled, "Physical Agents/Modalities for Survivors of Cancer, " was the first to examine the safety and efficacy of physical agent use for individuals with cancer. The agents included in that review were those predominantly used in clinical practice at that time. As the physical therapy profession has evolved, the use of some physical agents has changed. Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to update Pfalzer's original work and to discuss the contemporary use of physical agents as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals with cancer. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature published between 2001 and 2016 regarding the safety, efficacy, and use of physical agents was conducted. Information was extracted, and the findings were compared with the original article. Results: Much of the information in Pfalzer's review remains unchanged; however, new agents such as low-level laser and scrambler therapy have emerged. The safety, use, and efficacy of those agents are described. Limitations: The literature search focused only on articles written in English. Therefore, information regarding contemporary use of physical agents in other countries may have been missed. Conclusions: No new evidence was found for many of the physical agents described by Pfalzer. This may be due to the reluctance of clinicians to use physical agents on patients with cancer because of possible adverse effects or because physical agents are not as widely used now as in the past.